The Dragon and the Unicorn' in the series 'Arthor' by author A.A. Attanasio is a retelling of the Arthurian legend that delves into the tale before the tale, focusing on King Arthur's parents, Queen Ygrane of the Celts and Uther Pendragon. The writing style is described as mind-bendingly beautiful prose that reads like lyrical poetry, drawing the reader into a crucial part of the Arthurian story rarely told. The story unfolds in vivid, fearless descriptions that explore the clash of Christianity and Celtic religion in ancient Britannia.

The plot of the book follows the trials of Ygrane, a Celtic priestess with knowledge of her past lives, Merlinus, a demon now shackled in human form, and the rise of Uther, the would-be father of Arthur. Their lives intersect in a story that weaves together elements of Celtic lore, Roman history, and Nordic settlements, creating a compelling narrative that captures the depth of Celtic history and myth.

Characters:

The characters are complex and well-developed, with deep motivations, including figures like Ygrane, Merlin, and Uther who face significant struggles.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by rich, lyrical prose and innovative use of present tense, creating an engaging and captivating narrative.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot interweaves Celtic and Roman history, highlighting the struggles of characters like Ygrane and Merlin, while also exploring cosmic themes and the coexistence of gods and humans.

Setting:

The setting is a richly detailed portrayal of Celtic and Roman Britain, integrating mythical elements and ancient influences.

Pacing:

The pacing starts slowly but quickly builds intensity, immersing the reader in vivid descriptions and compelling stakes.

Notes:

The novel is written mostly in the present tense, which is rare and well-executed.

The author, A.A. Attanasio, uses rich and intricate vocabulary throughout the book.

The story features a complex interweaving of various characters including gods, demons, and humans.

Religious themes, particularly the emergence of new religions, play a significant role in the narrative.

Attanasio combines elements of science and mythology, such as gods living in the atmosphere as electromagnetic entities.

The tale deeply involves Celtic lore and Roman history within the British Isles.

The book offers a unique perspective on the Arthurian saga, focusing on King Arthur's parents, Queen Ygrane and Uther Pendragon.

Merlin is portrayed as a demon bound in a human form, adding depth to his character.

The narrative weaves in visionary elements where characters can glimpse the future through meditation.

The prose is described as beautiful and poetic, captivating readers from the start.

Attanasio's writing style is compared to ancient storytelling, rich with cultural references.

There are notable explorations of the clash between Christianity and Celtic traditions in Britain.

The characters are well-developed, with their motivations clearly explained, even for antagonists.

The book includes fantastical elements like a unicorn and discusses the struggles of characters to ensure the future of a king.

Attanasio’s creative take on Arthurian legends is noted for being both imaginative and grounded in historical context.

Some editions of the book may omit important sections that are included in physical copies.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

There are medium content warnings, possibly related to themes of violence and emotional intensity.

Has Romance?

The novel features a medium level of romance, particularly centered around the characters Ygrane and Uther.

From The Publisher:

A quest for immortality that spans all history, human and demihuman, from the hunt for the unicorn's horn to the ceaseless wars of elf and dragon, begins and ends in Tintagel, a legendary place at the edge of the Western Sea, where the first cry of a newborn king called Arthur is heard. Reprint.

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Want To Read (3)
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The Dragon and the Unicorn

A.A. Attanasio

Book 1 in the series:Arthor